Organic food is becoming increasingly popular. The activism of celebrities like Michelle Obama, Gwyneth Paltrow or Chef Jaime Oliver has been an example for many people concerned about their health and also about the environment.
A consumption increasing day by day
The figures show that the message has taken hold: in the United Kingdom, the demand for organic food has increased by 7% in particular and exceeds 15% in the restaurant sector, according to The Guardian. In Spain, one third of the population consumes organic food, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environment (MAFE). But they also have more followers among those with a good socioeconomic level; just take a look around the Upper East Side and Upper West Side. Those are two of New York’s wealthiest neighborhoods and where you can find the shops with the most variety of organic products.
An analysis of MAFE reveals that the main reason for Spaniards to consume organic food is the concern for healthy living. This is followed by the desire to avoid products that have received chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Moreover, the interest in nature conservation coincide with interests of consumers in other countries.
However, science is not unanimous about the true impact of organic food on human health, so the decision to eat organic is ultimately purely personal. Marion Nestle, professor of nutrition at the American university and one of the most authoritative voices in the field, acknowledges, telling The New York Times, that organic food is more expensive.
Which ecological products are best for us?
If the higher price and the lack of confirmation of the scope on human health have not diverted us from the decision to fill the refrigerator with organic products, the logical thing is to give priority to the foods of daily consumption. Take your shopping cart and in case of doubt, please use the following list:
Oranges: juicy food
Fruits and vegetables represent 37% of organic food consumption and, among them, oranges are the most demanded. The ecological navel variety contain 5% more pulp (they provide more fiber to the diet). They are more juicy than those of conventional production and are also rich in essential oils. Furthermore, organic oranges also contain 10% more vitamin C than conventional ones.
Beef and chicken meat: longer shelf life
Animal welfare is not the only reason for choosing to buy organic meat. Organic production implies pharmaceuticals are eliminated, which forces the producer to know how to manage disease prevention practices very well.
Eggs: for animal welfare
At the moment, there is no scientific evidence to support the fact that the consumption of organic eggs is better from a nutritional point of view. Although society believes that the taste of organic eggs is different and better. This has not been scientifically proven. The only difference is in the chicken’s living conditions (caged, released or semi-freedom).
Fish: lower risk of parasites
Ecological fish has the advantage of being free of chemicals, heavy metals, antibiotics and other medicines. The advantages of traceability are the lower risk of containing parasites. Traditional fishing is known where it lands but not if it has been given chemicals to conserve it.
Olive oil: even better for cardiovascular health
Extra virgin olive oil obtained by conventional methods is an extraordinary product. However organic production further improves the composition of fatty acids. In the fatty acid fraction, the genetic factor is one of the most influential factors. In other words, an oil from an apicual tree will have a very different composition from a hojiblanca tree, and this is genetically marked.
If you want to know more about ecological matters, you can read the linked articles.